‘Arrogance’ in Central America

The walkout of the delegation underscores the ideological isolation of the current Administration. While the Central American leaders try to hammer out accords of mutual restraint and respect, we pout because our President is being “insulted.”

Reagan can rant theatrically about the Sandinista thugs and the non-existent Soviet beachhead. Lt. Col. Oliver North and former CIA Director William Casey can become obsessed with overthrowing Nicaragua, implement plans of deception and destruction and dissemble in front of Congress. Which country is more civilized and democratic?

In my opinion, Reagan does more to promote the cause of communism than Pravda itself. America’s strength and force in the world, at bottom, stems from our respect for the rule of law and our promotion of self-determination. We need not resort to the skulduggery of propaganda, and indeed, we undercut our own position when we do so. Manipulation, exaggeration and military posturing are the hallmarks of the Reagan foreign policy. It is ironic that a man so intensely antagonistic towards Marxism has led our country in a direction mirroring the propagandizing excesses of the “red menace.”

WILLIAM SCHLEGEL

Chino Hills